Dynamic Retention Strategies for Mitigating Health Workers Brain Drain
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Richtmann
Abstract
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The departure of skilled health workers from Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and the Pacific poses a significant
challenge for the global health workforce, exacerbating healthcare accessibility issues, labour shortages, and
vulnerabilities within healthcare systems worldwide. This study aims to identify brain drain drivers and
propose dynamic retention strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of each region, relying solely on
secondary data. Drawing upon the Push-Pull and Social Exchange Theory frameworks, the study reviews
existing literature, and it was revealed that there is an interplay of push factors, such as low pay, limited
professional development opportunities, and challenging working conditions, alongside pull factors,
including better income prospects and career advancement opportunities. This study advocates for dynamic
retention strategies like enhancing employee engagement, implementing flexible work arrangements,
promoting work-life balance, offering competitive compensation, facilitating professional development, and
fostering supportive work environments tailored to each region's circumstances were imperative to mitigate
the health workers brain drain syndrome. It also suggests the importance of strategic, context-specific
interventions in mitigating brain drain and ensuring sustainable healthcare delivery worldwide and ongoing
research and evaluation to assess their effectiveness. This can be achieved through collaborative efforts of
stakeholders towards safeguarding the global health workforce and promoting equitable access to healthcare
services for all.
Keywords
JA Political science (General)